![Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin on a white dish with parsley garnish](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.allrecipes.com/thmb/Rf7vHvI0j-FFQwnvwLpHc8zrTV4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1565646-1-d216b213ba4046dcaf9e61340cfb7501.jpg)
You're in for a treat. Ever-indulgent prime rib tends to make an appearance on special occasions, so the sides it pairs with should be special, too. Here are our 20 of the best.
V's Fried Mashed Potatoes
![fried mashed potatoes in a white dish](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/JAqk8UQSxrLtlcUCZEp7lGD7AEM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3182866-60796b8e3ff14656b04797bf7509d0fd.jpg)
Mashing potatoes in a hot, buttered skillet allows a crisp crust to form.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
![roasted Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and almonds in a bowl](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/nRbNlqKJl-y7L8_pe-V_zKDAxoM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/230131-Roasted-Brussels-Sprouts-with-Cranberries-e521cecc5b984e2094ca0339b0e9f836.jpg)
With roasted garlic, crunchy prosciutto, and dried cranberries in the mix, this Brussels sprouts side does not go light on flavor.
Truffled Cauliflower Gratin
![cauliflower casserole in a white dish](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/wzpfJsocUx6vCWZv02u8JJs5aQI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/240751-Truffled-Cauliflower-Gratin-240800517b5448039a4ab0b689252636.jpg)
If you can't find truffled Pecorino cheese, home cooks recommend using regular Pecorino (or even Gouda or Gruyere) and drizzling the finished dish in truffle oil instead of olive oil.
Oven-Roasted Carrots
![roasted carrots with pecan and panko topping](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/tipIkQ8Mgs6yjSTexmWM-jUBfpc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/280421-Oven-Roasted-Carrots-2000-c030a3a7da4f4dc6a5ddef5caeb78933.jpg)
Pecans and panko bread crumbs add serious crunch to savory roasted carrots. You can replace the Italian seasoning with another spice blend, but you can't go wrong with a mix that includes thyme and rosemary.
Fast and Easy Creamed Spinach
![creamed spinach on a plate with steak and roasted vegetables](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/WfmeZCgnw_ux8zuxnHJ1QoYZ44I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Fast-and-Easy-Creamed-Spinach-5aaac92281934882b8d3bd8e4ea02da0.jpg)
Lemon zest brings a bright flavor to decadent creamed spinach.
Hasselback Sweet Potato with Pecan Streusel
![hasselback sweet potato with streusel topping in a skillet](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/rG2-FbDVcIKs22VIlzzVCZQNwqs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/281828-Hasselback-Sweet-Potato-with-Pecan-Streusel-dbd3986d0f174458bc8d6aed560f24ca.jpg)
"Sweet potatoes come in different colors, from white to yellow to orange to orange-red. The darker the inside, the sweeter it is. I chose white because I was adding maple syrup and brown sugar, but any sweet potato will do," recipe creator Yoly says.
Wild Mushroom Stuffing
![Wild Mushroom Stuffing on a wooden spoon](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/DnjOex0zUU2sz5Kf1m0FNvFeyno=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Wild-Mushroom-Stuffing-91f0e667ff55403eb2b8492612283760.jpg)
Swap grandma's bread stuffing recipe with this version, which gets its heartiness from mushrooms, toasted hazelnuts, and herbs.
Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin
![Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin on a white dish with parsley garnish](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/Rf7vHvI0j-FFQwnvwLpHc8zrTV4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1565646-1-d216b213ba4046dcaf9e61340cfb7501.jpg)
Break from homey casseroles for this elegant take on potato gratin. Each muffin-tin-sized serving packs in plenty of Parmesan and butter.
Rice Stuffing with Apples, Herbs, and Bacon
![stuffing in a bowl and plate with turkey](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/hywj8bYz_v4JkAS7me0MBclbAsI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Rice-Stuffing-with-Apples-Herbs-Bacon-772d881f891e4a85b89026086873c340.jpg)
Bacon and dried herbs balance the sweetness of dried fruit and diced apples.
Roasted Carrot Salad
![salad topped with roasted carrots and slivered almonds](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/8s8S8dm9YrWjq2mapdwr1_OyYxM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/214063-Roasted-Carrot-Salad-a189cc86201c4ff2a65e3e9c2be5ac53.jpg)
Roasted carrots, dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and blue cheese upgrade arugula salad.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
![two halves of stuffed acorn squash](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/goE-VZVMFJTHANHLM7-B_AmM_BU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Stuffed-Acorn-Squash-9e58811b9c5d4517a9d154d8d439a766.jpg)
Some reviewers add veggies and sausage to the squash's bread stuffing, while others replace it with cornbread dressing, brown rice, and even couscous. Lots of options here.
Brussels Sprouts Gratin
![Brussels Sprouts Gratin in a bowl on a red surface](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/YqkDAA9Iztz88jrJO8WwANceH38=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brussels-sprouts-gratin-faa30f5b2242445b903ba71fbd994cba.jpg)
"My husband and I are fans of Brussels sprouts to begin with, and we both agreed that these were the best we've ever tasted. Even my son, who usually rejects any veggie other than corn or potatoes, loved them," Jen Myers says.
Gourmet Sweet Potato Classic
![Gourmet Sweet Potato Classic with sugar and pecan topping](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/wN0FZsdLZ1gRW07N4rn9g8SZXgI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Gourmet-Sweet-Potato-Classic-1-0ebc0c69f7b645c7b8c86cf376d4cc28.jpg)
Let's be honest. This classic pecan-crusted casserole could pass for dessert.
Parsnip and Carrot Puree
![green bowl filled with Parsnip and Carrot Puree](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/Z_9NHSl72U6DBFdqsZsF4Od4whY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parsnip-and-Carrot-Puree-ba2909848c844feeadfa6ea3df41221e.jpg)
"Tender parsnips and carrots are pureed with butter and chives for a splendid accompaniment to roasted meats," says Always Cooking Up Something.
French Onion Green Bean Casserole
![green bean casserole in a glass dish and on a white plate](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/eny0OHR-yBPojUnA_Zcjd6dZ2xY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/french-onion-green-bean-casserole-74c3c94aeb2f4c20ab3ce7a6f4a1fa21.jpg)
French onion soup inspired Chef John to add caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese to traditional green bean casserole.
Beet Salad with Pecans and Blue Cheese
![270272 Beet Salad with Pecans and Blue Cheese](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/_31E9aPGrs0x7xpsTjgLAKhBL60=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/270272-Beet-Salad-with-Pecans-and-Blue-Cheese-2000-a3f3b30464504af3b86ed352a5ece793.jpg)
Here's another salad that wouldn't be out of place on a holiday table thanks to candied pecans, bold blue cheese, and microgreens.
Gourmet Mushroom Risotto
![closeup of mushroom risotto garnished with parsley and a lemon wedge](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/uxkpBtncQLEZX6JfA2hARbHryb4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/246711-gourmet-mushroom-risotto-photo-by-cookinmama-0b777b2dae984e0c9d0cca1282d5643b.jpg)
"Check the rice by biting into it. It should be slightly al dente — or resist slightly to the tooth but not be hard in the center," recipe creator Myleen Sagrado Sjödin says.
Pan-Fried Fennel
![sauteed fennel with herbs in a bowl](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/vcGykh6-Mo7FEsXr4_t0z_dgjS0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/264181-Pan-Fried-Fennel-4317af60d154473ba8152e2fc96865c3.jpg)
"Fennel tastes great pan-fried, and you don't need a lot of seasoning as fennel has so much flavor on its own, which just intensifies while sauteeing," recipe creator Marianne says.
Fried Brussels Sprouts
![Fried Brussels Sprouts in a cast iron skillet](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/s9VtNnjREE0BI-4a8HS4vRkbnEM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Fried-Brussels-Sprouts-by-France-C-72f4800654884ae3b2cb0b55550df442.jpg)
Fried in bacon grease, these Brussels sprouts can convert even the firmest skeptics.
Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes
![Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes in a red dish](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/eUI3TGIu4T9boq0B_Ut7yh2ykkk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/234620-Mascarpone-Mashed-Potatoes-2000-c84b6932cd0c4c41b60284086a8175fa.jpg)
"Not only is this a delicious alternative to regular mashed potato recipes, but it's a very user-friendly way to serve your potato side dish. They're really decadent: not too rich, but just rich enough, and perfect for any special occasion," Chef John says.